The late 20th century was a different era. Back then, it was common to see dads enjoying a cold drink, moms puffing on cigarettes, and families savoring Tang and SPAM. The stay-at-home mothers of today were the housewives of yesteryear, and they embraced their roles. Children were allowed to be children, and parental authority reigned supreme. I long for those simpler times—after all, I grew up in that environment.
Watching today’s parents negotiate with their kids—like asking little Oliver and Sophia to lower their voices during morning gymnastics classes—makes me cringe. I try to stay silent, keeping my own opinions in check, but there are moments when I can’t hold back. When children are throwing toys or screaming while parents engage in casual chit-chat about the weather, I might let a passive-aggressive comment slip, like, “Wouldn’t it be nice if parents could manage their kids better?” Perhaps I’m crossing a line, but someone has to call it out. We need to address the sense of entitlement we’ve inadvertently nurtured in our children.
This isn’t meant to be a rant, but rather a nostalgic look back at the parenting style of the ’70s and ’80s, which some might label as simplistic or even neglectful. I can almost hear our parents murmuring, “You’re doing it wrong.” They might not be entirely correct, but they do have a point. So, if I haven’t annoyed you too much yet, keep reading.
Playtime Simplicity
Playing used to be straightforward. Little Tommy would drop by and simply ask if Mia could come outside to play—no elaborate schedules or playdates were necessary. There were no smartphones with color-coded calendars to manage. Instead, Mom would call out for Tommy, and off they would go to explore the world around them with sticks and stones. Nature sparked their imagination, something I fear my own kids have lost in a world where everything is instantly provided for them.
When it was lunchtime, Mom would shout for them, and they would return without fuss, ready to eat whatever was on the table. Nowadays, when my son complains of boredom, I realize that today’s parents often act as activity coordinators. Kids have forgotten how to entertain themselves.
Toys of Yesteryear
Toys were also much simpler. While Slinkys and Shrinky Dinks still exist, they’ve largely been overshadowed by screens and gadgets. Our idea of technology was limited to games like Battleship or Simon Says. Kids would spin in circles until they felt dizzy, but those toys had a certain charm. The Lite-Brite was an art tool that, even though it came with catchy jingles, was frustrating to use. I could never create the impressive designs advertised on TV, but I loved experimenting nonetheless.
In contrast, today’s children are inundated with iPads, Kindles, and gaming consoles that become outdated almost immediately. Parents, often driven by guilt or the desire to keep up with societal trends, feel compelled to provide the latest devices, but this only leads to fleeting happiness for the kids.
Saturday Morning Cartoons
Ah, Saturday mornings! A time for sugary cereals and hours of cartoons. Mom would stock up on the good stuff for that special day, knowing we could indulge. In contrast, today’s children have cartoons available around the clock. When my daughter was unwell, I had a plethora of shows to choose from—even at 2 a.m. on a Tuesday! Back then, we watched the shows our parents approved of, which often meant a steady diet of classic dramas and comedies.
Following Parental Lead
Children didn’t get options when it came to family outings. If my parents decided on a beach trip, we hopped in the car with our floaties, ready for a day of sun and sand, even if it left us sunburned. We trusted our parents’ judgment completely. Their phrases like “I’ll give you something to cry about” were far more effective than modern consequences like “no treats” or “early bedtime.”
Eating Habits of the Past
Food was a different affair back then, too. We didn’t obsess over organic ingredients or gluten-free options. We relished in SPAM and Fluffernutters, sipping Kool-Aid and Tang without a second thought. Allergies were rare, and kids weren’t deprived of classic treats like ice cream or peanut butter. Dinner was mandatory, and every bite was expected—no exceptions!
The Family Pet
Pets were just pets back then. Dogs had names like Max and Buddy; they didn’t need elaborate titles or custom outfits. They were simply dogs, and their owners embraced that. Unlike today, where we schedule playdates for our pets, back then, a walk and some chew toys sufficed.
I’ll admit, I sometimes fall into the traps I’ve described. I’m a bit of a hypocrite, but who isn’t? My hope is to find a balance between the carefree parenting style of the past and the overly involved approach of today. Parenting is challenging, and we all strive to do our best, regardless of the decade.
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Summary
The parenting landscape has shifted dramatically since the ’80s, marked by simpler playtime, less reliance on technology, and a more relaxed approach to food and pets. While today’s parents navigate a complex world of schedules and expectations, there’s something to be said for the nostalgia of a bygone era.
Keyphrase: Parenting in the ’80s
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